The Minority in Parliament has criticised the John Dramani Mahama-led government over, the stalled anti-LGBTQ+ bill, illegal mining (galamsey) and the ongoing transport crisis, the delay in the implementation of the 24-Hour Economy policy, while reaffirming its commitment to constitutional democracy and public oversight at a press conference on Monday, January 26, 2025.
Here are some major highlights from the press conference
Parliamentary strength and media freedom
The Minority Leader, Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin commended journalists for amplifying the voice of the Minority and safeguarding democratic institutions.
He highlighted the caucus’s role in holding the government accountable on key national issues.
He stressed that the true strength of Parliament lies not in the size of the majority but in the courage of the Minority to hold the government accountable.
Citing Article 162 of the 1992 Constitution, the caucus reminded the press that freedom from censorship is essential to democracy.
It warned that democracies rarely collapse overnight but erode gradually through silence, moral compromise, and weakened institutions, with journalists playing a key role in safeguarding accountability.
The Minority rejected claims that Ghana’s economic gains are the result of prudent government management.
Instead, it attributed improvements largely to external factors, such as the IMF programme, debt restructuring, and rising commodity exports, including gold and cocoa.
While headline indicators appear positive, ordinary Ghanaians continue to struggle with high food prices, unemployment, and limited access to essential services.
The caucus argued that fiscal consolidation has often come at the expense of critical sectors, meaning that macroeconomic stability has yet to benefit the majority of citizens.
Anti-LGBTQ+ legislation
The Minority criticised the government for double standards regarding the anti-LGBTQ+ bill, which, despite previous support in opposition, has stalled in Parliament.
It also raised concerns over gender and sexual rights content introduced into school curricula, later described by the government as an “anomaly.”
The Minority said these actions reflect inconsistency and pledged to hold the government accountable on cultural and moral issues.
Illegal mining (Galamsey)
Afenyo-Markin argued that the government has failed to clearly outline its policy and concrete measures to combat illegal mining.
He pointed out that the Gold Board has not demonstrated how it distinguishes between legally mined gold and gold sourced from illicit operations.
The Minority accused the government of prioritizing public relations over meaningful action, citing the worsening condition of Ghana’s water bodies as evidence of a lack of genuine commitment.
The caucus called for transparency, clear distinctions between legal and illegal gold mining, and a sustainable cost-sharing system to protect public resources. Losses, it emphasized, cannot be dismissed as mere “economic costs.”
Agriculture and policy gaps
The Minority also lashed out at the John Dramani Mahama led government for failing to implement effective policies to support the agriculture sector, arguing that Ghana’s farmers continue to lack the resources and support needed to drive growth and food security.
Minority rejects claims that Ghana’s economic gains are government-driven
Foreign policy, judiciary, and governance
The caucus urged the government to strengthen Ghana’s domestic economy, diversify international partnerships, and base foreign policy on constitutional and ethical principles.
It also questioned judicial independence and leadership, calling for transparency and active engagement to maintain democratic integrity.
Turning to the Chief Justice, Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, the Minority expressed worry over the purpose and timing of his visits to key state institutions, including the Ghana Police Service and Parliament.
24-Hour Economy policy
Concerns were raised over the delay in implementing the 24-hour economy policy. The Minority asked when the three-shift job scheme would begin, emphasising its potential to help reduce youth unemployment.
Transport challenges
Afenyo-Markin also said the government has failed to maintain a functional public transport system:
“At major terminals from Circle to Kaneshie and Madina, hundreds of Ghanaians are stranded for hours because the national fleet has collapsed from over a thousand public buses to barely more than a hundred in operation. More than 400 Metro Mass buses are left to rot in garages or have been sold as scrap.”
He added that commuters are forced into overcrowded trotros or priced out by artificial scarcity, not due to a lack of engineers or planners, but because the administration has reduced policy to press statements while citizens wait in long queues”, he stated.
Are you on a thank you tour? – Minority blasts Chief Justice over ministry visits
Third-Term agenda
Afenyo-Markin also addressed speculation about a third-term agenda within the ruling party, the National Democratic Congress.
“Mr President, we’re aware many of your party members want to push the agenda for a third term. Tell them you’re not interested. Remind them—it’s not possible,” he said.
JKB/AM
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